When As A Lad

written by


« Reload image

WHEN, as a lad, at break of day
  I watched the fishers sail away,
My thoughts, like flocking birds, would follow
Across the curving sky's blue hollow,
  And on and on--
  Into the very heart of dawn!

  For long I searched the world--ah, me!
  I searched the sky, I searched the sea,
With much of useless grief and rueing
Those winged thoughts of mine pursuing--
  So dear were they,
  So lovely and so far away!

  I seek them still and always must
  Until my laggard heart is dust
And I am free to follow, follow,
Across the curving sky's blue hollow,
  Those thoughts too fleet
  For any save the soul's swift feet!

© Isabel Ecclestone Mackay